"It's a special feeling to be among the four teams in the ABA2 league. We have been training hard all season and preparing for this moment. But we don't want to stop there. We have enough time to prepare for the semi-finals," Balša Živanović told the club's website.
Sutjeska has played three games against Sloboda in the last three weeks. After losing in the last round of the regular season (82:78), the team managed to react, avenge that defeat and advance to the finals.
"It was a tough series. We also played them in the last round of the regular season, which is three games in three weeks. We knew what was in store for us, that the details would be decisive. Sloboda is an extremely high-quality team, they are playing excellently. Our toughness and energy were decisive in the moments when it mattered most. We played good defense, and then we got easy points, which was crucial," explained Živanović.
Last night, Sutjeska was down 11 points twice in the middle of the third quarter (50:39 and 52:41), but by the end of that period they were close to minus two (57:55), and then turned the score around in the last quarter.
"We were 11 points down, we were behind for most of the match, but we were calm until the end. We believed in what we were doing, we stuck together. When it mattered most, we raised our aggression, scored easy points from transition. We knew that at some point we would turn the game in our favor. We had a wider rotation and more energy than them and in the end we deserved to win. Series like this show what kind of team we really are. It wasn't ideal at all moments, but we showed that we know how to react when it's difficult and showed character when it was most needed," Živanović pointed out.
Zlatibor and TFT will play the quarter-final match on Tuesday (18), the winner of that match will play against Sutjeska in the semi-finals.
"We are waiting for our opponent in the semi-finals. But whoever comes – we are focused on ourselves and our game. Let's fix some things and be ready for the semi-finals."
Živanović also spoke about the great support the team has had this season. The stands of the Nikšić Sports Center were full during the games against Sloboda, the fans made a huge contribution, and now we are moving forward together.
"The support was phenomenal. I'm glad that the people from Nikšić recognized our quality and are coming in large numbers. They give us great motivation, they are the wind at our backs and on behalf of the team I thank them for that. I invite them to continue coming in large numbers to support us," said Živanović.
The derby of the 25th round of the First Montenegrin Basketball League is already on Saturday. Sutjeska welcomes Mornar (7:30 PM, free admission).
"I took my first basketball steps in Mornar and I have fond memories. But now I am fully focused on my team. I will do my best to play the game as well as possible and achieve triumph. Mornar has been playing recognizable basketball for years, with a lot of running and three-point shots. It will be a tough game," said Živanović.
Balša arrived in Sutjeska in December, and it turned out to be a great success. Thanks to his good performances, he returned to the Montenegrin national team.
"I'm very happy. I'm enjoying it, I've fit in since day one. The team and people at the club have accepted me in the best possible way, I have the trust of the coaching staff, which means a lot to me. I'm really enjoying it here. I'm back in the national team. It's an additional reward for my work and a great honor for me. I'm very happy," concluded Balša Živanović.
